HB 1047 appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses and salaries for the Arkansas Northeastern College during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The legislation establishes specific maximum numbers of regular employees and sets salary rates for various administrative, academic, IT, and support positions within the college. Once enacted as Act 48, this bill authorizes the college to hire staff up to the defined limits and pay them the listed wages for the upcoming year.
HB 1072 appropriates funds for the Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes specific maximum employee counts and salary rates for various administrative, IT, and operational positions within the college. By setting these limits, the legislation defines the authorized budget for personnel and operating expenses for the upcoming year.
This Senate resolution authorized the introduction of a bill to modify the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program, which allows parents to use state funds for private school tuition or homeschooling. The proposed changes would adjust the annual funding amount students receive, introduce minimum score requirements on standardized tests for continued participation, and reduce funding for students who do not meet these academic benchmarks. Additionally, the bill sought to restrict eligibility by barring students who are already enrolled in private schools or have previously attended them from using the program. Although the bill passed initial readings, it ultimately failed to be adopted when it was defeated on the third reading in April 2026.
This bill, enacted as Act 53, provides funding for the Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It authorizes the hiring of up to 32 regular employees and five temporary staff members to manage school facilities and transportation operations. The legislation appropriates approximately $3.07 million for salaries and operational expenses, while allocating over $215 million in grants for academic facilities and catastrophic repairs. Additionally, the act grants the department authority to transfer specific loan program funds and allows for limited budget adjustments to ensure efficient use of resources.
HB 1005 provides funding for the Arkansas Department of Education for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and includes amendments to state laws regarding school meals. The bill adjusts specific job positions and salary grades within the department while reducing the total appropriation by approximately $458,000. It also mandates that all public school students receive one free breakfast each day, regardless of their eligibility for federal free or reduced-price meal programs. Additionally, the legislation requires annual reporting on child nutrition programs and an audit to ensure schools are effectively expanding student access to free meals.
Senate Bill 26 authorizes funding for the University of Central Arkansas for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, specifically establishing the maximum number of regular employees and their corresponding salary rates. The legislation details positions across administrative, academic, and IT departments, setting specific caps on headcounts and annual pay for roles ranging from the university president to various support staff. Once enacted into law as Act 78, this bill provides the necessary budgetary framework to hire and compensate university personnel during the upcoming fiscal year.
HB 1026 authorizes funding for the Arkansas State University - Mountain Home for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover salaries and operating expenses. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees and their corresponding salary rates across various departments, including administration, information technology, student services, and facilities. Once enacted as Act 33, this legislation sets the budgetary framework for the university's operations for the upcoming year.
HB 1085, now Act 108, provides funding to the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind for property maintenance, renovations, and construction projects. The bill appropriates approximately $20.75 million from the Development and Enhancement Fund and $35 million for facility improvements, along with $1.118 million for preserving state-owned lands and historic sites at the campus. These funds must be used strictly for the specified projects and cannot be combined with other maintenance budgets, while all spending must follow state purchasing and budget laws.
Senate Bill 44 authorizes funding for the Southeast Arkansas College for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, directly affecting the institution's ability to operate and hire staff. The bill establishes specific maximum numbers of regular employees and sets salary rates for various administrative, academic, and support positions, including roles in leadership, IT, student services, and public safety. By defining these staffing limits and compensation levels, the legislation provides the legal framework for the college to manage its personnel budget for the upcoming year.
HB 1021 provides funding for the Arkansas State University - Mid-South for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes the maximum number of regular employees and their corresponding annual salary rates for various administrative, academic, and support positions. Once enacted, the legislation sets the budgetary limits for staffing and compensation at the university for the specified period.
